Things to Do around Ashburton

Ashburton offers a variety of outdoor activities including Road cycling, Hiking, Mountain biking, Touring cycling, Jogging, and Gravel biking. The region features more than 100 routes across these sports. These activities are set against a backdrop of diverse landscapes, from braided rivers to the Southern Alps.

Ashburton provides scenic road cycling routes through its countryside, with a planned 90-mile (145 km) district cycleway underway. Lake Hood features a 3.7-mile (6 km) loop track suitable for cycling. For more information, consult the Road Cycling Routes around Ashburton guide.

Hiking in Ashburton ranges from easy walks to challenging trails in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Notable areas include the Ashburton/Hakatere River Trail and routes within Hakatere Conservation Park. The Hiking around Ashburton guide provides further details.

Ashburton caters to mountain bikers with dedicated trails, including the 7.1-mile (11.5 km) Ashburton MTB Loop on the north side of the Ashburton River. An Ashburton Skills Park is also available, featuring various obstacles and jumps. The MTB Trails around Ashburton guide lists more options.

Ashburton offers several family-friendly options, such as the easy Ashburton/Hakatere River Trail for walking or cycling. The Lake Hood loop track is also suitable for families. Many trails in Peel Forest are gentle strolls, providing accessible outdoor experiences.

Regulations regarding dogs on trails vary by specific location and conservation area within Ashburton. It is advisable to check local signage or contact the Ashburton District Council for current rules on dog access for individual trails or parks.

Ashburton is characterized by the Southern Alps, the Rakaia and Rangitata braided rivers, and the Ashburton Lakes District, which includes Lake Clearwater and Lake Heron. Hakatere Conservation Park encompasses nearly 150,000 acres (60,000 hectares) of rugged mountain country and rivers. Peel Forest is known for its native bush and birdlife.

Ashburton is a popular destination for outdoor activities on komoot, with more than 10,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The region's routes have an average rating of 4.52 out of 5 stars. There are 119 total routes recorded on komoot for the Ashburton region.

Yes, komoot offers several guides for Ashburton, covering various sports. These include Road Cycling Routes around Ashburton, Hiking around Ashburton, and MTB Trails around Ashburton. Other guides are available for touring cycling, easy hikes, running, and gravel biking.

The official website for the Ashburton District Council is ashburtondc.govt.nz. For visitor information and assistance, the Ashburton Public Library at 2 Baring Square East or the Citizens Advice Bureau at 44 Cass Street are current sources. The general phone number for the Ashburton District Council is +6433077700.

Ashburton offers accessible road cycling options suitable for beginners. The 3.7-mile (6 km) loop track around Lake Hood provides a relatively flat and contained route. Developing cycleways in the district also aim to provide easier, scenic rides.

The Ashburton Lakes District is a significant natural feature of the region, including serene spots such as Lake Clearwater and Lake Heron. This area is part of the Ō Tū Wharekai wetlands system, an unspoiled inter-montane wetland. It is known for its picturesque mountain views and nationally significant species.

The Ashburton/Hakatere River Trail is an easy path that follows the Ashburton River. It is suitable for both walking and cycling, extending from the township towards the coast. This trail offers an accessible way to experience the local river environment.

Ashburton is developing a 90-mile (145 km) district cycleway designed to enhance scenic and heritage values, which will support longer cycling excursions. The region's network of roads also provides opportunities for touring cyclists to explore diverse landscapes over greater distances. Consult the Cycling around Ashburton guide for touring options.